London Calling - The Clash

Most double albums are rubbish. In some cases just generally poor, but more often than not, they are padded out single albums - albums that could be immeasurably improved by some careful pruning. Take The Beatles 'White Album' for example. In its released form it is patchy but with moments of brilliance. Prune out self indulgent tosh like 'Revolution #9' and twee clangers like 'Ob-la-Di Ob-la-Da' and you are left with a storming single album.
That rather lengthy introduction, therefore, is my way of saying that The Clash's 'London Calling' is not one of those. A rarity in popular music - a double album that is deservedly so. No fillers or embarrassingly self indulgent noodling here!
From its title track to the closer 'Train In Vain' the range if styles, quality of playing, particularly from drummer Topper Headon, and potent lyrics keeps the album fresh. Not once in the albums running length of 65 minutes does it feel like they were playing for time. A truly great album and deserved if the praise often heaped upon it.
Not convinced? Well apart from the title track, which is a rousing call to arms, try 'Rudie Can't Fail' or 'Tge Card Cheat'. Songs that couldn't be more different; the first a reggae tinged pop gem and the latter a piano driven rock classic. So come out of the cupboard you boys and girls - London's Calling!